09.19.08
In 1908 the great rail line between Chicago and Seattle was completed. Made of steel, timber and blood the line allowed freight and passengers to traverse the vast wilderness of the northwest. A century later, a 15 mile portion of the rail, passing through nine tunnels and seven mile-high trestles was converted so that families on mountain bikes could ride the Route of the Hiawatha.
After renting some bikes, we were ready to get started.
The gravel trail begins in Montana at the East Portal of the Taft Tunnel which is a massive and perfectly straight 1.7 mile long train tunnel. Basically, you enter in Montana and by the time you exit you’re in Idaho.
This was Schäfer’s first time in a tag-a-long. The secret to success is loading it up with lots of toys.
We rode through nine tunnels.
We rode over seven trestles.
It was a perfect September day. The leaves were changing everywhere we looked.
This signpost marks the 1757th mile from Chicago.
Grandpa and Schäfer enjoy lunch.
Indian Paintbrush.
Indian Paintbrush.
We made it to the finish!
The 15 mile trail isn’t so bad since it has a generous 2% downgrade the entire way. Thankfully, we could take a bus back to the first tunnel. From there, we rode back to the parking lot.
From the car, Hubs and Grandpa spotted huckleberries on our drive out of the park.
While Grandpa and Schäfer waited in the car, Hubs and I picked some huckleberries for the journey home. It was my first time to pick huckleberries.
What an amazing adventure with Grandpa!
This looks like a beautiful ride!
That is amazing! I want to go there someday!